7 Frequently Asked Questions About Townhouse Roof Replacement
Townhouse roof installations are not the same as a single-family home roof replacement. While the materials may be the same, the process for estimation, payment, and installation is different to accommodate various owners, HOA regulations, and matching roofing styles.
If you’re wondering how to replace the roof of your townhouse, we can help. We tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about townhouse roof replacement and give you 7 tips for townhome roof replacement to make it easy, simple, and streamlined.
Discover townhouse roof replacement tips below or contact us for a free estimate and get started today.
Who Are We?
Politz Enterprises is a trusted name in roof repair throughout the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia). We are family-owned and operated and have been since 1963.
As a local company in Frederick, MD, we believe in quality, safe investments, and total home protection. Discover why we’re a go-to roofing company in Maryland and how we can help you today.
7 Frequently Asked Questions About Townhome Roofing
How Does an HOA Impact My Shared Roof Replacement?
If you own a townhome that is under an HOA (homeowner’s association) you must check with your HOA and/or HOA agreement about who is responsible for costs and coordination in the event of a roof replacement.
HOAs for townhomes may cover the cost or may simply dictate what roofing materials are allowed and it is up to you, as the owner, to handle all costs, negotiations, etc. It is extremely important when updating a new roof on a townhouse with an HOA that you follow all guidelines. HOAs may come back later and request a change in the new roof replacement if it does not meet the material, color, or style as dictated in any HOA agreement signed.
Before getting a townhouse roof replaced when in an HOA, talk to the HOA members and get all roofing types that are allowed in writing. You can use these guidelines to work with your local roofing company to get an allowable roof replacement.
- Shingle colors (must you match or can they be different)
- Roofing types (asphalt, cedar, etc.)
- Installation (must the shingle installation match)
- Flashing and/or gutters (if applicable)
Does Insurance Cover a Townhome/Shared Roof Replacement?
If you are the owner of your townhouse, homeowner’s insurance should cover the roof replacement of your unit. This may vary based on what caused the damage, how long the damage has been present, and potential costs and/or materials used for the new roof replacement.
If your townhouse roof was damaged due to storms, winds, or other elements, these should be covered under your coverage, but you always want to call and verify with your insurance company. An experienced roofing company in Maryland, like Politz Enterprises, can also help with the assessment and any documentation needed for insurance coverage for townhouse roof replacement.
When looking into a townhouse roof replacement, talk with your insurance, review previous warranty coverage, and discuss financing options with local roofing contractors.
What If the Roofing Damage Covers Several Units?
Sometimes, roofing damage on a townhouse or condo complex spans multiple units. In this case, you and several neighbors may need to coordinate shared roof repairs or even shared roof replacements. This includes cost, scheduling, materials, design, and more.
Always talk with the HOA before starting on a shared roof replacement. Find a professional roofing contractor who is experienced with shared roof replacements to help coordinate multiple units, costs, and estimates.
Your roofing company will have to expertly match a new roof replacement to any old roofs that are left untouched, while navigating walls, chimneys, flashing, and other items of multiple roofs. Review your townhome or condo contract if there are any roofing restrictions or requirements, and make sure all neighbors are in agreement about the work being done.
This is especially important to ensure damage from a neighboring roof does not interfere with your new roof replacement. You want all roof replacements to be done in tandem for the best investment and overall protection.
How Do I Replace My Townhouse Roof If I Rent?
For those who rent their townhome and notice roof damage or a leaky roof, you want to contact your landlord ASAP. A landlord is generally responsible for all roofing upkeep unless the tenant caused the damage to the roof.
A professional roofing company can work with the landlord and the tenant to help ensure a seamless roof replacement that is safe, up to code, and matches all corresponding roofs attached to the building.
If you are ever unsure about who covers a roof replacement in a townhome, contact your landlord or HOA first to coordinate. Politz Enterprises works with townhome owners, complex managers, and more.
Do I Need a Professional Roofing Contractor for a Shared Roof Repair?
Condo managers and townhome owners may think they can do a DIY roof repair on their townhouse roof. However, this is not recommended and may actually be against the agreement signed with the townhome complex and/or HOA.
Although a townhome roof repair may seem small and simple, so townhome owners are tempted to do it themselves, it is actually a lot trickier. A DIY townhouse roof repair may interfere with a neighbor’s roof, go against HOA policies, or lower curb appeal if the roof replacement doesn’t expertly match the neighbor’s roofing.
Avoid the headache and the possible complications of damaging your neighbor’s roof by calling an experienced roofing contractor.
How Can I Maintain My New Townhouse Roof?
To get ahead of shared roof replacements and costly roof installations, work with your neighbors and your townhouse complex to maintain the roofs of every unit. This can mean installing new gutters or gutter guards, chipping in for regular gutter cleanings, inspecting roofs after major storms, and clearing away debris ASAP.
If your townhome neighborhood does not have an HOA or governing community, work with your neighbors to chip in for a professional roof maintenance plan. This can include gutter cleanings, storm damage repairs, and roof inspections after bad weather. A community that pulls together can save a lot of time and hassle if a roof replacement is needed by having selected a maintenance company ahead of time to watch for major damage.
What Are the Signs I Might Need a New Roof Replacement?
Unlike a single-family home, where the roof can be easily visually inspected from the ground or where the owner can get on the roof, a townhouse roof can be harder to inspect for damage. This is especially important after storms, heavy snows, rain, hail, or high winds. When debris falls on the roof, it is especially important to check for damage and clear away the debris so it doesn’t collect water or add more weight to the roof.
Signs you might need a new roof replacement on a shared roof:
- Leaks in your unit or a neighbor’s unit
- Decreased energy efficiency (heating and cooling, for example)
- Large debris present on the roof
- Peeling shingles
- Faded shingles
- Peeling or damaged flashing
- Overflowing gutters
Bonus! What Questions Should I Ask My Contractor About Shared Roof Replacement?
When working with a roofing company on a shared roof replacement, you want to make sure they are qualified for the job. Shared roof replacements, like on townhouses and condos, can be trickier due to matching shingles, coordinating with multiple owners, sticking to HOA requirements, and handling costs.
Ask your roofing contractor:
- What to expect during the roof replacement
- Who coordinates with the HOA and/or the neighbors
- Who is responsible for the costs/how will payments be handled
- Can they expertly match the existing roof
- What is their roof warranty (labor or materials)
- How to submit an insurance claim for a shared roof replacement
Call Politz for Townhouse Roof Replacement in Maryland, Virginia & West Virginia
Politz Enterprises has worked extensively with multi-family units in Frederick and all of Maryland, Virginia, & West Virginia. Our team of roofing contractors can easily help with shared roof complications, insurance companies, and more to provide the best experience possible.
We are licensed and certified in multiple states surrounding Maryland and are available to provide free estimates on shared roof replacements and roof damage. We can help with financing, filing insurance claims, and handling payments or costs from multiple owners.
Get in touch today and discover the difference.
